The Minnesota Vikings think they have the right man to lead them after securing head coach Kevin O’Connell with a large contract extension.
Since assuming leadership in 2022, O’Connell has rapidly transformed the team’s identity by implementing a creative offensive strategy and a player-friendly culture that have greatly connected with his players and enhanced their on-field abilities.
Justin Jefferson, the Vikings All-Pro wide receiver and one of the top pass-catchers in the NFL right now, is one of those stars. Jefferson, who is into his third season under O’Connell, has made it apparent how much he respects his head both as a person and as a tactician.
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According to Justin Jefferson, Kevin O’Connell is a “special guy.”
Jefferson was unreserved in his praise of O’Connell, highlighting how much he values the Vikings head coach’s ability to relate to players in an exclusive interview with PFSN and other media members in attendance at USAA’s Salute to Service event in New Orleans.
In addition to being a coach who is incredibly cool and laid back, he is also a very unique person. He’s undoubtedly a coach who enjoys working with his players, and I’m just thankful to have him around.
“It’s something wonderful, guy, to have been with him for three years now. I couldn’t say anything negative about him based just on his attitude toward his profession, his interactions with his coworkers, or the bond he has with them all year long.
Under O’Connell’s leadership, Jefferson has achieved a number of firsts. Jefferson hauled in 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, including the playoffs.
In addition to his leadership, O’Connell’s offensive scheme has revolutionized Jefferson’s strategy. O’Connell’s inventiveness has enabled him to maintain his dominance in the face of frequent double and even triple teams as opponents continue to focus on the standout receiver.
Jefferson’s Changing Position in a Changing Offense
Although Jefferson recognized the difficulties of being a marked man on the field, he gave credit to O’Connell’s plan for keeping him engaged and productive.
“You know, that’s just the way it is. If I’m going to be motionless, I won’t get the ball, regardless of how many double teams or triple teams I’m getting. If I’m going to be immovable, defenses are essentially eliminating me from the game.
Here, Jefferson’s skill set and O’Connell’s offensive philosophy have been a terrific match. The Vikings have prioritized moving Jefferson about the formation to create mismatches and put opponents in challenging positions rather than just lining him up in one spot and hoping for the best.
“That’s just, you know, making the defense think a little bit more, having to communicate a little bit more, and to get me on those mismatches that I need to be on to get the ball,” Jefferson explained. “They move me around, put me in the backfield, and motion me on the other side of the field.”
In addition to enabling Jefferson to continue producing at a high level, this strategy has created chances for other offensive players including T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor.
The Vikings are setting themselves up for long-term success with O’Connell now locked in for the long term and Jefferson still serving as the offensive center.
In PFSN’s Offense+ Metric, where does the Vikings’ offense stand?
Red zone efficiency, yards per play, points per drive, turnover rate, success rate against the run and pass, third-down conversion rate, pressure percentage when not blitzing, and other expected points added (EPA) metrics against the run and pass are all included in PFSN’s Offense+ Rankings. Our rankings are then generated for each season by weighting these appropriately.
At their best, the Vikings were a formidable team, but they reserved their worst for last. In their Wild Card loss to the Rams, Minnesota received a 62.4 (D-) rating, which was the lowest of any club on Wild Card Weekend and the second-worst in three seasons under Kevin O’Connell.
Even though Sam Darnold destroyed himself, an offensive line that gave up an offensive record-tying eight sacks did not help him. This past weekend, Minnesota gave up the highest non-blitz pressure rate of the season (51%), which was also the highest percentage permitted.
Regardless of Minnesota’s 2025 quarterback selection, strengthening the offensive line is always a top need. During the regular season, the Vikings had the 22nd-highest non-blitz pressure rate (34%). That can’t be entirely attributed to Christian Darrisaw’s absence however, as Minnesota finished 22nd in that metric following Darrisaw’s injury that ended his season in Week 8.
The Vikings were a mixed bag offensively during the regular season, and their worst selves showed up during the postseason. One of the most difficult decisions any team will have to make this summer is Minnesota’s quarterback selection.
Kevin O’Connell Jefferson’s remarks follow O’Connell’s announcement as the 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year, which came after he received 361 points and 25 first-place votes. Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, received 283 points and 19 first-place votes, finishing in second place.
After the Vikings lost first-round selection J.J. McCarthy during training camp and had to rely on journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold, O’Connell guided the team to a 14-3 record and almost guaranteed the No. 1 spot.
I want to start by giving thanks to God. “I want to express my gratitude to my family,” O’Connell remarked. “It all begins with my stunning wife, Leah; you are my pillar of support. You fuel everything I can achieve in this field, and you are everything to me. Even though our four children, Kaden, Quinn, Kolten, and Callie, were unable to attend tonight, they will undoubtedly be watching from Minnesota.
This is an organizational prize, O’Connell said.
He remarked, “When I consider what this organization is and has been for me, it all begins with our people and our owners, Mark and Zygi Wilf.” “One of the most unique things you guys have given me is the chance to lead your organization as head coach, and I never take that for granted.
“This was a unique year for our coaches and players. I will always remember this season. A unique football team. I am really proud of how these came together. This is all about the culture and team that you guys created. Our building has excellent support workers who make a difference. They, in my opinion, make us Minnesota Vikings extremely pleased to report to work each day.
Finally, he said, “And speaking of that, our fans—the best fans in the National Football League.” “I’m excited to see you all at U.S. Bank Stadium in the upcoming season.” Vikings, SKOL!
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